Pedigrees

A pedigree is generally used to indicate a coin’s past or present ownership. In numismatics, as in the art world, a coin’s provenance can be an important factor in determining its authenticity, and a coin that was once part of a famous collection may be more desirable to some collectors.

Submitters to NGC may request that a coin formerly owned by a famous collector be pedigreed to that collector on the NGC certification label. NGC must receive sufficient evidence to confirm the requested pedigree. Examples of this evidence may include:

The submitted coin can be matched to a picture in a catalog of the collection prepared by a reputable auction house or dealer.
The submitted coin is received in a sealed flip or holder prepared by a reputable auction house or dealer that indicates the name of the collection.

NGC pedigrees will typically be the current or previous owner’s surname followed by the word “Collection.” In the case of a few very select collections, the word “Collection” is omitted on the NGC certification label. These include well-known and widely publicized collections such as Garrett, Eliasberg, Pittman, and Norweb.

Coins pedigreed by NGC to different collectors.

NGC will sometimes add a pedigree to indicate that a coin was part of a hoard or came from a specific mint-issued set. NGC may also use a pedigree to mark an event (such as a trade show) or to provide additional identifying information about the coin.

In most cases, a pedigree appears on the NGC certification label on one or two lines below the coin’s grade. Except for certain significant shipwrecks or hoards, pedigrees generally do not receive separate listings in the NGC Census and are instead counted in the coin’s regular NGC Census listing.

A submitter to NGC may request that NGC pedigree a coin to his or her own collection on the NGC certification label. The most common pedigrees are the submitter’s surname followed by the word “Collection.” No additional documentation is required when a submitter is requesting that his or her own name be added to the NGC certification label; however, if a submitter’s surname is the same as a famous person’s surname, NGC may reject the pedigree or require that the submitter’s given name and surname be used. A collector may also select a name of personal significance other than a surname. For example, children’s names or a geographic placename may be used. In such cases, NGC may require additional information before the pedigree will be granted.

Some restrictions apply to pedigrees assigned by NGC. Pedigrees on NGC labels do not begin with the word “The.” A trademarked name or tagline cannot be used as a pedigree without permission from the trademark owner. Except by special arrangement, Company names are not used in pedigrees, including references to specific auction sales that are less than 100 years old.

Recognition and attribution of pedigrees is at NGC’s sole discretion. NGC will not recognize a pedigree that it believes could be confused with another pedigree. Grading and services fees are not refundable if NGC chooses to decline recognition or attribution of a requested pedigree. NGC will use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of its pedigree attributions; however, pedigree attributions are not guaranteed under the NGC Guarantee.

FAQs

How do I request that a pedigree be added to the NGC certification label?

If you would like a pedigree added to the NGC certification label, you should select the Pedigree service and note the request in bold letters on the NGC submission form. Be sure to indicate whether the request applies to all coins on the form or only specific coins. You should also provide any evidence that may be helpful to NGC in confirming the pedigree.

There is no additional fee to attribute a coin to a collection, including your own. Coins already encapsulated by NGC may be submitted under an applicable NGC ReHolder service with the Pedigree service selected.

Recognition and attribution of pedigrees is at NGC's sole discretion. NGC will not recognize a pedigree that it believes could be confused with another pedigree. Grading and services fees are not refundable if NGC chooses to decline recognition or attribution of a requested pedigree.

To learn more about NGC Pedigrees, click here.

Does a pedigree add value to a coin?

Coins pedigreed to a famous collection may sell for a premium or be more desirable, but this varies based on the coin, collection and market conditions. Many pedigrees do not add any premium to a coin's value. It is important to fully understand the meaning of a particular pedigree and research coin values before any purchase.

Are pedigrees listed separately in the NGC Census?

Coins pedigreed to certain significant shipwrecks, hoards and Mint sets are listed separately in the NGC Census, but most other pedigrees are not listed separately and are instead counted in the coin's regular NGC Census listing.

What is the difference between a "collection" and a "hoard"?

There is no universally accepted line that separates a "collection" from a "hoard." NGC considers a collection to be a group of coins that were assembled by a collector in a selective manner. A hoard, on the other hand, is a very large accumulation or find of coins, often with many examples of the exact same type.

The "Redfield Hoard," for example, is the name given to the accumulation of approximately 400,000 silver dollars by LaVere Redfield. Similarly, the "GSA Hoard" refers to the millions of silver dollars that had been held in the US Treasury's vaults until they were sold by the General Services Administration (GSA) between 1973 and 1980.

To learn more about NGC's certification services for Redfield Hoard and GSA Hoard coins, click here.

What does it mean when a coin is pedigreed to an event such as a trade show?

NGC will sometimes pedigree coins to a trade show to commemorate the event. This pedigree does not necessarily mean that the coins were purchased at the trade show. For example, the notation may be used for samples that will be given away at the show or for coins that will be sold by a dealer at the show. This notation is generally used only for select bulk submissions or for samples prepared by NGC.

These trade show pedigrees should not be confused with NGC's Show Releases designations, which contain the word "Releases." To learn more about the NGC Show Releases designation, click here.

Besides collections and trade shows, what other pedigrees are used by NGC?

In most cases, pedigrees are used to identify the past or present owner of a coin or to commemorate an event. On occasion, NGC will use pedigrees to provide other identifying information. For example, a coin that is the first example known of a newly discovered variety may be labeled "Discovery Coin" on the NGC certification label.

When are coins eligible to be pedigreed to a specific mint-issued set, such as the 25th Anniversary Silver Eagle Set?

NGC will sometimes pedigree coins to a specific mint-issued set as long as there is no doubt that the coins were issued as part of that set.

An example would be 2011 American Silver Eagles with the 25TH ANNIVERSARY SET pedigree, which were issued as part of the US Mint's five-coin 25th Anniversary Silver Eagle Set. Some of these coins were also issued separately from the 25th Anniversary Silver Eagle Set. NGC will therefore assign the 25TH ANNIVERSARY SET pedigree only to coins that arrive in the original 25th Anniversary Silver Eagle Set packaging sealed inside of the intact, original US Mint shipping box.

In some cases, coins may need to arrive in the original mint packaging only and not sealed inside of the intact, original US Mint shipping box to be pedigreed to a specific set. This is generally allowed for packaging that is tamper-evident. In addition, coins that were issued only as part of the set may not need to be submitted with any original mint packaging.

Important: The recognition of a set pedigree is at NGC's sole discretion, and not all sets may be attributed on the NGC label. It is therefore recommended that submitters contact NGC Customer Service prior to requesting a coin be pedigreed to a set to confirm eligibility and submission requirements unless an article with these instructions has already been posted to the NGC website.

What sets (e.g. 25th Anniversary Set, Limited Edition Set, etc.) will be attributed by NGC?

NGC will attribute most sets issued by the US Mint as well as sets issued by select other mints. The recognition of a set pedigree is at NGC's sole discretion, and not all sets may be attributed on the NGC label. Please check NGC's list of eligible sets and follow all instructions when submitting.

In many cases, a coin is issued both in a set and separately. Therefore, to ensure the accuracy of its attributions NGC may require that a set be received in the original mint packaging or in the sealed mint shipping box to ensure the accuracy of its attributions.

Certain sets will be attributed only if received through NGC's bulk submission program. Check the list of eligible sets for detailed requirements.

NGC will list certain set pedigrees separately in the NGC Census, while others will be grouped together with the non-set population. For more details, view the list of eligible sets and requirements or visit the NGC Census.

If a pedigree is pre-printed on the NGC certification label, will it be included in the coin description?

If a pedigree is pre-printed on the NGC certification label, it will not be included in the coin description by default. If you would like the pedigree added to the coin description, you should select the Pedigree service and note the request in bold letters on the NGC submission form. Otherwise, it will not be included in the coin description.

How can I request that a coin's weight and diameter be included on the NGC certification label?

If you would like a coin's weight and diameter to be included on the NGC certification label, please select "Pedigree" when filling out the NGC submission form and indicate "Add coin weight and diameter" in that field. The fee is Tier + $5.

Are pedigrees covered by the NGC Guarantee?

NGC will use its best efforts to ensure the accuracy of its pedigree attributions; however, pedigree attributions are not guaranteed under the NGC Guarantee.